Heart Supports Anti-Bullying Push

Melbourne Heart FC has declared its support of local Northern Metropolitan MP Craig Ondarchie in his push to eliminate online bullying.

Melbourne Heart FC has declared its support of local Northern Metropolitan MP Craig Ondarchie in his push to eliminate online bullying.

In the wake of the passing of Heart fan Sheniz Erkan, Mr Ondarchie has called upon social networking sites to implement stricter controls to eradicate the scourge of online bullying.

Mr Ondarchie said that Victoria has been shocked and saddened by the death of Miss Erkan who recently took her own life as a result of cyber bullying.

Recent evidence suggests that Australia rates number one in the world for bullying on social networks, like Facebook.

“Clearly, there is a need to review cyber bullying strategies to better safeguard the wellbeing of Australian teenagers. Typically our young Australians internalise the nasty & destructive actions of others - we need to remind them that help is available.” Mr Ondarchie said.

Chief Executive Officer Scott Munn said Melbourne Heart FC is prepared to assume a key role in assisting Mr Ondarchie in his fight.

“Our Club fully supports the statement released by our local MP and football advocate Mr Ondarchie on his calls for greater care and responsibility in online and social media discourse,” he said.

“The issue of cyber-bullying is one we hold very dear to our heart, and having been directly impacted by its impact in recent weeks, our Club refuses to condone abusive or intimidatory behaviour of any kind.”